Showcasing advanced military technology, Turkish companies exhibit their defence capabilities at IDEF 2025
The International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul, Turkey, has been a platform for showcasing the country's advancements in defense technology. This year, Turkey showcased several innovative breakthroughs in air defense, missile technology, satellite launch vehicles, and unmanned systems.
Air Defense
Turkey unveiled the Hisar-X, a next-generation air defense missile system by Roketsan, designed for extended-range interception of high-speed aerial threats such as cruise missiles and UAV swarms. Hisar-X is expected to be a cornerstone of Turkey’s multi-layered air defense network, providing significantly enhanced range and capability compared to previous systems. Additionally, the Steel Dome air defense concept was introduced. It is an AI-integrated system coordinating radars, sensors, weapons, and missiles to deliver rapid, effective air defense responses, developed entirely domestically by Aselsan.
Missile Technology
The Tayfun Block 4 hypersonic missile, developed by Roketsan, was a major highlight. It is a highly maneuverable, long-range hypersonic ballistic missile capable of striking strategic targets deep within enemy territory, with a multi-purpose warhead able to destroy air defenses, command centers, hangars, and other critical infrastructure. The missile weighs over 7 tons and marks a major technological achievement for Turkey’s defense industry. Roketsan also presented six new systems, including the AKATA, a capsule-version of the ATMACA anti-ship missile capable of submarine launch, placing Turkey among the few countries with underwater guided missile capability.
Satellite Launch Vehicles
Specific details on satellite launch vehicles were not explicitly cited in the available reports from IDEF 2025. However, Turkey’s ongoing defense modernization at the event implies continuous development in space and aerospace domains, consistent with Turkey’s strategic goals.
Unmanned Systems
EDGE Group, participating at IDEF 2025, showcased advanced capabilities in unmanned systems, including compact electro-optic systems (KASHIF 600 and KASHIF 700) designed for UAVs and unmanned ground vehicles supporting enhanced situational awareness and surveillance. EDGE also presented systems like the BORDERSHIELD autonomous surveillance system, and the MIRSAD-X multi-spectral electro-optics imager for ground and naval use, further enhancing Turkey’s unmanned and autonomous operational abilities.
Other Innovations
Sarsılmaz, a leading firearms producer in Turkey, presented a range of domestically developed systems at the fair. The company showcased the 20 mm nose gun, integrated into the aircraft's front, which fires 750 rounds per minute and handles elevation, depression, and horizontal rotation through the helicopter's fire control. The 20 mm nose gun has already found success in export markets. Sarsılmaz also unveiled a NATO-compliant 25 mm land gun, which supports dual feeding for two munition types, offering field flexibility.
In conclusion, Turkey presented a portfolio demonstrating middleware integration of AI, multi-domain systems, and cutting-edge missile and air defense technology aimed at enhancing national security and boosting export potential during IDEF 2025. The event emphasized high-quality innovations, as highlighted by Haluk Görgün, Defense Industries Agency President. While detailed public information on satellite launch vehicles at the fair was not found in the search results, other sectors showed significant breakthrough projects indicating Turkey’s advancing technological base in defense aerospace.
- The advanced 20 mm nose gun, developed by Sarsılmaz, demonstrates strategic integration of AI and multi-domain systems, aiming to enhance national security and boost export potential in the finance sector, as seen in IDEF 2025.
- The nation's aerospace industry also showcased impressive progress, with EDGE Group unveiling their autonomous surveillance system, BORDERSHIELD, and the multi-spectral electro-optics imager, MIRSAND-X, furthering its capabilities in space-and-astronomy and technology.
- Roketsan's AKATA, a capsule-version of the ATMACA anti-ship missile, showcases Turkey's advancements in industries such as finance, as this system gives Turkey underwater guided missile capability, positioning it among the select few countries in the field.
